Henry Lee reviews JonBenet Ramsey evidence

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story originally was published in the Daily Camera on Feb. 14, 1998

DENVER -- Boulder County District Attorney Alex Hunter blasted the parents of 6-year-old murder victim JonBenet Ramsey on Friday, saying the investigation is hindered by their lack of cooperation.

After a six-hour meeting with Boulder police and expert criminologist Henry Lee, however, Hunter and others expressed optimism that the case is moving forward.

"I am disappointed that we have not had more cooperation from the Ramseys in helping us get to the truth. We need to have that in order to answer questions that remain that are critical to finding out what happened in this case," Hunter said.

John and Patsy Ramsey recently refused to submit to an interview with Boulder police unless they were allowed to review evidence collected in the case. Boulder police said the condition was unacceptable.

Hunter's statement is one of the strongest he has made about the Ramseys since the 14-month investigation began Dec. 26, 1996. That day, JonBenet was found strangled and beaten about eight hours after she was reported kidnapped.

Hunter's statement is one of the strongest he has made about the Ramseys since the 14-month investigation began Dec. 26, 1996. That day, JonBenet was found strangled and beaten about eight hours after she was reported kidnapped.

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Friday's comments came moments after the prosecutors office and eight Boulder police detectives met privately with Lee, who became widely known for his work in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Lee specializes in crime scene reconstruction and DNA analysis.

Hunter said his office is handing over documents and materials for Lee to analyze.

Officials would not comment specifically on what the material was or what was discussed during the meeting at Denver International Airport. But afterward, Lee said he was much more optimistic about progress in the case than before the meeting, saying he believes there is at least a 50/50 chance there will be a resolution.

Lee said the team of investigators and prosecutors "went over quite a bit of material," reviewed the case and looked over the direction of the investigation.

"This case is an extremely difficult case," said Lee, who has about 40 years experience in criminology. "Todays meeting was a very fruitful meeting."

Lee also said he was happy to see a "spirit of cooperation" between Boulder police and Hunters office. He said the progress of the case is attributable to "diligent detective work."

Cmdr. Mark Beckner, who is supervising the Ramsey investigation, said little about the meeting or the investigation except, "I am very pleased with how things went."

Lee declined to comment on specifics of the case, including questions about a palm print, footprints and DNA evidence. When asked if he believed the Ramseys were responsible for their daughters death, Lee said he wasnt in a position to answer the question. He said most investigations include a process of elimination, and Boulder police do not have tunnel vision, focusing on only one suspect.

"Everybody is a suspect until we clear all the facts," Lee said. "Thats the reason I am here, is to look at the scientific facts."

Hunter described Lee as "the best of the best" of his field.

Lee is director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory in Hartford andworked for the O.J. Simpson defense team.

Hunters office contacted the criminologist - along with Simpson attorney Barry Scheck, a DNA expert - early in the investigation.

Friday marked at least the fourth time Lee has met with Ramsey investigators.